ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif urged the international community to press the Afghan Taliban to honor their commitments and curb terrorist activities emanating from Afghanistan, state-run Radio Pakistan reported on Friday.
He was addressing the international forum marking the "International Year of Peace and Trust 2025," the "International Day of Neutrality," and the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan's permanent neutrality in Ashgabat.
Alluding to the menace of terrorism, the prime minister called upon the international community to urge the Afghan Taliban regime to fulfill its international obligations and commitments and rein in terror elements operating from its territory.
Sustainable development
Sharif said the pursuit of lasting peace is intrinsically linked to the path of sustainable development.
In this regard, the 2030 agenda for sustainable development presents a universal blueprint for a better and peaceful world.
The prime minister said socio-economic development and the welfare of the people are his government’s foremost priorities.
“We have made significant strides in several key areas, including advancing financial inclusion and bringing the women and the marginalized into the economic mainstream.”
Peace in the Middle East
Sharif emphasized the need to resolve disputes peacefully through dialogue and diplomacy.
The prime minister said peaceful resolution of disputes is a cornerstone of Pakistan's foreign policy.
He said Pakistan supported the Gaza peace plan and its subsequent endorsement by the UN Security Council.
He hoped the ongoing peace efforts in the Middle East would ultimately protect and save the lives of innocent Palestinians by ensuring a permanent and lasting ceasefire, allowing the flow of critical humanitarian aid, and helping in the reconstruction of Gaza.
Sharif said Pakistan has been and shall continue to support all efforts aimed at upholding the inalienable right to self-determination of the Palestinian people as well as the brave and resilient Kashmiri people.
Transnational threats
Sharif said Pakistan has demonstrated its strong commitment to implementing cleaner, greener solutions in the face of global warming.
He said we have set a global example in ecosystem restoration.
However, he said, like developing countries, our quest for sustainable development is facing the headwinds of climate-induced disasters and inequities in international economic relations.
Describing climate change, poverty, and inequality as transnational threats, the prime minister said these challenges demand international solutions grounded in shared responsibility and unity of purpose.
He emphasized that access to advanced technologies, especially digital technologies, must also be equitable and free from discrimination.
The prime minister called for investments in connectivity projects not just as conduits for transporting goods, but as bridges for people, ideas, and prosperity.
He emphasized that the international community must chart an ordinary course toward a future defined by peace, mutual trust, and shared prosperity.
Sharif meets Iranian president
Prime Minister Sharif held a bilateral meeting with the president of Iran, Dr Masoud Pezeshkian, on the sidelines of the forum, according to a press statement from the PM's office.
The prime minister emphasized the need for both sides to continue working closely to strengthen bilateral cooperation with a view to enhancing the volume of bilateral trade, operationalizing border markets, strengthening border security, and reinvigorating transport connectivity through the Islamabad-Tehran-Istanbul rail network.
Sharif stressed the need to urge the Afghan Taliban regime to take meaningful action to address Pakistan’s serious security concerns regarding terrorism emanating from Afghan soil.
Sharif, Erdogan meeting
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also met the president of Türkiye, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, on the sidelines of the International Forum on Peace and Trust in Ashgabat, according to an official post on X.
Monument of Neutrality
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Sharif, during his Ashgabat visit, also laid a floral wreath at the Monument of Neutrality.
According to a press release issued by the Prime Minister’s Office on Friday, the prime minister, along with the president of Turkmenistan and leaders participating in the global forum being held in Ashgabat, visited the Monument of Neutrality.
The prime minister laid a floral wreath at the monument.
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